One single set of the new EBC Bluestuff NDX was enough for a whole seasons racing according to Dan Ludlow and Peter Burchill

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September 8, 2010

Vulcan Racing – Round 7 & 8 Cadwell Park & 60 minute enduro race Friday evening and the Vulcan team landed at Cadwell Park on of the best circuits in the UK. The challenge that lay ahead was to secure as many points as possible so that we can secure 1st in class in the championship. As we pulled into the paddock we were greeted with ACDC cover band entertaining over 2000 bikers on there annual event. However by 1030pm the paddock was clearing and we could set up camp.

The team were joined by Sam Caterick & Sam Grogan two former Lunar students. The car preparation started on a sunny morning whilst Dan & Peter reported to race control as we were sharing the car in double header event. The Clark of the course decided that we could both do 3 laps each in one 15 minute session. So I would get an out lap a flying lap and in lap, driver change and 3-4 laps for Dan, the challenge was set.

Qualifying. The collecting area gates opened first gear selected and go, go, go…… the plan was to stay ahead of the pack so to keep a clear track for my flying lap. Cold tyres and brakes and Cadwell do make you smile out lap was a little slippery but it all went a little quickly but great fun. I dived into the pits for driver change and Dans turn. Dan pushed hard and was getting quicker lap on lap before the flag came out. I qualified 11th and 2nd however due to double header rules as Dan was second driver his 2nd best time was used so he would start 4th.

Race 7 – 11th on the grid the aim was to beat Pat Fenn 10th however we were retained in the holding area for over 30 minutes whilst the marshals tried to dress the oil dumped from park straight to mountain (thank you metro cup).

On the warm up lap it was clear that it was going to be fun as the dust and oil was thick. Along side Pat on the grid again for my last race this season 5 second board and lights go out and away, I had a flying start and managed to clear 1 places however Pats V8 had the legs on me and I had to tuck in behind. As we reached park straight it looked like a blizzard as the cement dust was mad and made for an interesting run through to the Goose Neck. Lap one was completed of the 25 minute race. The aim was to maximise point today so finishing was at front of mind so I took a steady pace for the first 4 laps until I was comfortable with the oil on the track. I had been having a tussle with David Smith in his ZS who had given chase but I was able to pull out a reasonable lead after I had gotten into my groove. By the time the flag dropped I had gone form 11th to 5th and 2nd in class and taking over 4 seconds off my qualifying time.

Saturday evening the team spanner checked the car cleaned brakes and settled into a social evening with other racers and got to see some of the other races from the day. Sunday morning and it was Dans turn for the hot seat in Race 8. Dan started 4th and at the start had a good push, the V8’s being some 200+ kilos lighter with more power managed to get in front off the line. Dan pushed hard and was running in P6 for the first 4-5 laps it was clear that the 2 cars in front were having there own battle which meant Dan could get a chance, however with a class C behind and in front Dan had his work cut out. With the car in front defending to keep his competitor behind Dan at bay, meant that Dans charge was being hampered. However following a cracking move Dan was able to pass Blaine at the Mountain and chase the pack in front taking a further 2 seconds form his lap times and some 38 seconds lead on Blaine. Dan drove the car to his full ability and at the flag had done the team proud securing not only first in class, but 3rd overall.

So we have secured 2nd in class and 1st in class out for the 2 rounds this weekend, at time of writing we look like we are 1st in class for the championship however until this are published by the championship.

To finish our season in the MGCC we entered the 2 driver 60 minute endurance race after half an hours qualifying we started P6 from 24 runners and I was in the hot seat for the start. We had worked out that the tank should do a hour as we burn approx 1ltr a minute at race pace, our tyres and brakes had not let us down all season and a real test for the EBC blues which have lasted the full season. I had a good start albeit delayed by a wheel spinning ZR. The first lap was interesting with the amount of fuel being carried, especially with the car now being over 1300 kilos compared to some of the smaller cars weighing 800 kilos the joys of open races from different championships.

However we stayed on the black stuff and push hard for 25 minutes until drive change handing over the car in 7th. Dan again took up the challenges and roared out for the pits to attack the circuit for the last time this weekend. As the fuel load dropped Dan was able to push harder setting quicker and quicker lap times soon Dan was under my 1.51 and pushed forward also moving up the grid, after 50 minutes Dan was on a charge and taking 4 seconds a lap out of the next car but with constant pace and balance Dan got his lap times down to 1.471 on season old tyres was a superb effort. At the flag we finished 4th out of 24 racers.

The team on the pit wall cheered as Dan ran the wall to celebrate. We were made up with the finale of the weekend and proudly took 1st in class award.

So the season has drawn to a close for us and the work starts now for 2011, the MGZS is now to be repainted in new team colours and the build of the MGF will start after the Castle Combe Stroke Association Charity Day in September.

Thank you all for your support in 2010 and we will be talking to you shortly re our plans for 2011.

Kind Regards

Peter Burchill
On Behalf of Vulcan Racing

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